I disagree that a refinish would reduce it's collectability. At the moment it is not old enough to be collectible in that condition, a collector wanting a blue 8 3/8 is going to look elsewhere.

A refinish would only increase it's for sale value right now.

As to which would be more valuable to collectors 25 or 50 years from now, do you really care about a few hundred dollars one way or the other at that point?

Since part of the goal is to end up with a hunting gun, I would have it finished in bright nickel.

While not as durable as hard chrome, it has much better resistance to the environment than blue and it was a factory offered finish.

Carry the revolver in a high quality lined holster and finish wear should not be too big of a deal.